Evaluating Program Integration and the Rise in Collaboration: Case study of a palliative care network

Source: Journal of Palliative Care, Winter 2011, 27, (4), p.270 -279

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Date of publication: Winter 2011

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: This article focuses on an attempt to build capacity to deliver palliative care in an integrated way across a range of communities in Ontario, Canada.  The objective was to achieve an effective integrated system that was cost-effective and responsive to patient’s needs.  14 communities were involved and overall the approach appears to be beneficial.  Change has been gradual and structural issues continue to be a challenge.

Length of publication: 9 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library. 

Is an advance care planning model feasible in community palliative care? A multi-site action research approach

Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing 2011 v.67(12)

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Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: This article reports a study to determine the feasibility of an advance care planning model developed with community palliative care services. An effective advance care planning programme involves an organisational wide commitment and preparedness for health service reform to embed advance care planning into routine practice. Internationally, such programmes have been implemented predominantly in aged and acute care with more recent work in primary care. The article concludes that an advance care planning model is feasible for community palliative care services. Quality audit processes are an essential component of the Model with documentation of advance care planning discussion established as an important outcome measure.

Some important notes: This article is published online ahead of print. Contact your local health library to obtain a copy of this article. Follow this link to find your local health library.

Comparing the costs of alternative models of end-of-life care

Title: Comparing the costs of alternative models of end-of-life care

Source: Journal of Palliative Care 2011 Summer; 27(2), p126-33

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Date of publication: Summer 2011

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: This study explores the financial consequences of decreased acute care utilisation and expanded community-based care for patients at the end of life in England. Results suggest that reducing reliance on acute care could release resources and better meet peoples’ preferences.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Acknowledgements: Pubmed

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Training aimed at complex needs

Source: Nursing Standard 2011, vol.25(35), p62-3

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Date: May 2011

Publication type: Article

Publication length: 2 pages

In a nutshell: This article describes the work of the charity Demelza in providing family-orientated hospice care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Kent, East Sussex and south east London. The work of nurses in the community palliative teams who provide care for children at home is also highlighted.

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Building on community assets to improve palliative and end-of-life care.

Source: Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care 2011 7(1):5-13

Date: Jan 2011

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Publication Type: Article

Publication Length: 9 pages

In a nutshell: This article  describes the development of a multidisciplinary, interfaith, grassroots community group of professionals and laypersons who have created a replicable model to enhance palliative and end-of-life care provision in Westchester County, New York, resulting in a unique public-private partnership. It has played a critical role in changing the culture of care for residents of Westchester who are faced with the challenges of serious and terminal illness.

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Acknowledgements: Cancer Support Team, Mamaroneck, New York, USA.

Looking from the outside in.

Source: Nursing Standard, v. 24(47) p20-1

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Date: July 2010

Publication type: Article

Publication length: 2 pages

In a nutshell: This article discusses provision of palliative care to elderly people with dementia by a specialist nurse employed by the organisation Housing 21. Housing 21 provide residential care and support services to elderly people in London.

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Home comfort at the end of life

Source: Community Care, July 2010 p22-3

Date: July 2010

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Publication type: Article

Publication length: 2 pages

In a nutshell: This article discusses how the role of  Oxfordshire’s community matron service is enabling people to die in the place of their choice.  Financial savings have been identified following an evaluation of the 1st year in post, including a reduction in hospital admissions and the speeding up of hospital discharges.

The developing role of the children’s nurse in community palliative care

Source: British Journal of Nursing, August 2010 v.19(15), p977-81

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Date of publication: August 2010

Publication type:Article

Length of article: 5 pages

In a nutshell: In response to ‘Palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions in Ireland (2009)’ and the recommendations made concerning the role of community children’s nurses in supporting terminally ill children, this article discusses the barriers to introducing community palliative care services, respite provision and outlines professional development.

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